Postcolonial theories are a transdisciplinary endeavor that addresses the diverse aftermaths of imperialism and colonialism. They encompass contemporary forms of Orientalism and the construction of the Global South as underdeveloped, as well as the identity effects of diaspora and migration experiences, a critique of the Western modern self-understanding, and the analysis of both old and new forms of racism. Furthermore, they engage with globalized forms of governance, questions of statehood, and the genesis and validity of global norms and rights. The roots of postcolonial theories lie in the reflection on anti-colonial resistance and in the engagement with literature from former colonies.